Protein 101

While there are many variations of plant-based diets, there is evidence that a broadly defined whole foods plant-based diet has significant health benefits. Contrary to popular belief, consumption of meat and/or dairy at every meal, or even daily, is not necessary for optimal health and wellness.

In fact, diets high in meat – especially red meat and processed meat – have been repeatedly associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and premature death. While it is true that animal products contain substantial amounts of protein and iron, these foods are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat and, being at the top of the food chain, tend to accumulate pesticides and other potentially harmful substances.

Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body, and must be supplied by food. The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Nonessential amino acids are made by the body from essential amino acids or in the normal breakdown of proteins. They include alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

Conditional Amino Acids

Conditional amino acids are usually not essential, except in times of childhood development, illness, or stress. The conditional amino acids include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, ornithine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Protein Requirements

According to a a joint report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), and United Nations University (UNU), protein requirements are currently defined as the level of protein required to meet metabolic needs for maintenance as indicated by nitrogen balance in the respective age group plus those associated with the protein needs for normal growth of infants and children, pregnancy and lactation in women.

On this basis, the level of protein required to meet the metabolic needs of at least 97.5% of the population (i.e., this value is adequate for all but 2.5% of individuals) is 0.83 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (kg) per day. Notice the value is established per kilogram (kg), not per pound (lb).

Excess Protein and Weight Gain

When we eat more protein than we need — and nearly all people do — our body converts the extra protein to glucose (via gluconeogenesis) or ketone bodies. In other words, the extra protein is either converted to energy for immediate use (e.g., low carb diets) or stored as fat. Considering carbohydrate and protein both provide 4 kcal/gram, it makes very little sense to avoid complex carbohydrates considering protein is converted to glucose when intakes are low.

Attempts to increase muscle mass by increases in protein intake within the normal range have generally failed. Lemon et al. fed protein at 2.62 g/kg per day or 1.35 g/kg per day for 1 month during intensive weight training in a randomized double-blind cross-over study, and found no difference in measured strength (voluntary and electrically evoked) and muscle mass (density, creatinine excretion, muscle area by CAT scan, and biceps nitrogen content).

Plants are Complete Proteins

Claims that plant proteins are incomplete sources of protein are unscientific and obsolete. We reference amino acids as either essential, non-essential, or conditional. While I realize bloggers, government organizations, and medical organizations still use this term, the term should be discouraged from public and medical discourse. Often, “complete proteins” are defined as a “source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate proportions.”

This definition, while it sounds reasonable, is inherently flawed considering the optimal profile of amino acids in food (or “adequate proportions”) has never been established. When it comes to protein quality, proteins are generally defined in terms of of digestibility, and as you can see in the screenshot below (taken directly from the joint WHO/FAO/UNU report mentioned above), the digestibility of wheat gluten and farina exceed the values established for egg and fish.

The truth is, daily amino acid requirements can easily be met by consuming a variety of different plant-based foods. In a position paper written by the American Academy of Dietetics in Canada several years ago, this misconception is clearly addressed with the following statement: “complementary proteins do not need to be consumed at the same meal.”

In a study published in 1971, Edwards et al. reported that North American adult males maintained both body weight and nitrogen balance for 60 days while consuming a strict diet of wheat and potatoes. In the same year, Meyer et al reported adults consuming a mainly fruit diet supplemented with nuts and seeds for 6 months maintained health, including protein status, while improving nearly every health parameter.

Do you eat meat?

No, I’m vegan, which means I do not eat, use, or wear animal products. With this being said, it is important to understand that my goal in providing nutrition education to the public is to improve public health; which, can easily be achieved by providing science-based nutrition and fitness education and inspiration.

My point is, I am not here to argue with those who believe minimally processed animal products that are raised by small, local farmers who utilize sustainable and humane agricultural practices may be healthful when consumed as part of a plant-based diet. My hope is that everyone will choose to eat clean and green with great respect for the environment and rights and welfare of others.

What are your thoughts about protein powders?

Unfortunately, nearly all ready-to-drink smoothies and protein powders are ultra processed and refined. Not to mention, a source of potentially harmful contaminants including heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and pharmaceuticals (e.g., growth hormones and antibiotics).

If you have a medical condition that necessitates extra protein, consider a single ingredient unflavored protein powder that is free of added ingredients, flavors, and/or sweeteners. For instance, pure hemp powder or rice powder. Unflavored powders are ideal because you have the option to add in additional fresh ingredients (e.g., fresh fruit) to mix up the flavor and nutritional benefits.

Besides, nearly all healthy adults living in developed countries are already consuming too much protein. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), nearly all individuals, including competitive athletes, can easily meet their protein requirements with whole foods. As such, the widespread belief that we need to consume additional protein in the form of an ultra-processed powder in a bottle, much like babies, is absolutely insane.

According to tests conducted by Consumer Reports, popular brands of protein shakes may be contaminated with heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. On September 9, 2003 Michael Cloud commenced an action in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island against MuscleTech. Cloud, a professional football player, alleged he failed a random drug test administered by the NFL because of his consumption of MuscleTech’s Nitro-Tech ™ powder. The powder is alleged to contain the undisclosed ingredients of norandrostenedione and androstenediol. A similar complaint was filed by Olympic athlete Pavle Jovanovic.

If you want to supplement your diet with extra protein, consider making your own smoothies and shakes at home using real, whole ingredients. To view smoothie recipes, check out the page titled Smoothies.

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Hey foodie!

Welcome to my rowdy corner of the universe. My name is Dana, but most people know me as Rebel Dietitian.

You can learn more about my philosophy or view photos of my grub, by visiting the pages Rebel Lifestyle and Rebel Grub, respectively. Thanks for stopping by my website. Don't forget to eat your greens and make some trouble!